Their eyes met, and Liu Yin’s heart dropped straight into her stomach. Wait… wasn’t this supposed to be a marriage in name only?

The dim candlelight flickered, casting shifting shadows across the room. Qin Yan’s lips pressed into a firm line as he looked at the blushing woman before him. His grip on her arm tightened, and a dark, unreadable emotion flashed through his deep black eyes.

Liu Yin felt herself being pulled closer—too close. Her breath hitched, and in sheer panic, she blurted, “I—I have my monthly cycle!”

The moment the words left her mouth, she wished she could vanish into thin air. Her entire face burned as if set aflame, and she practically wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it.

Qin Yan paused. His gaze lingered on the top of her head for a brief moment before shifting away. Then, without a word, he released her arm, clasped his hands behind his back, and strode toward the door.

Just as he reached the threshold, he came to a halt. His sharp gaze flicked sideways.

“Rest well.”

With that, he pushed open the door and left.

The moment he stepped outside, every servant froze in shock. No one had expected him to leave the bridal chamber so soon. Liu momo, in particular, looked positively alarmed—but upon closer inspection, the prince’s face showed no sign of anger. If he wasn’t upset, then why hadn’t he stayed?

Only Xiao Luzi, the eunuch, seemed to understand. He followed after Qin Yan, carefully testing the waters.

“Your Highness… shall we go to Lady Lu’s chambers?”

Although it was against tradition for the Crown Prince to forgo spending the wedding night with his new bride, as long as it was his preference, no one dared to question it.

“To the study,” he said, his voice low and steady.

Hearing this, Xiao Luzi immediately shut his mouth, his curiosity about what had just transpired in the bridal chamber growing even stronger.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Liu momo rushed in, deeply worried, and questioned Liu Yin about what had happened. The moment she heard the reason—her monthly cycle—she finally let out a sigh of relief. She had truly feared that this little ancestor had somehow angered His Highness again.

But Liu Yin had no time to dwell on that. She immediately ordered a bath to be drawn, her mind still spinning.

Was the Crown Prince seriously about to consummate the marriage just now?!

Impossible. Absolutely impossible!

This had to be a complete misunderstanding.

He must have just been trying to scare her. There was no way he would actually spend the night with her. After all, wasn’t Lady Lu known for her gentle and graceful demeanor? If he wanted to share a bed with someone, surely it would be her!

After some self-consolation, Liu Yin finally took a bath and lay back down, staring at the bright moonlight outside the window. A strange melancholy crept into her heart—just like that, she was married.

The night was as cool as water, yet countless eyes remained fixed on the Eastern Palace. As word spread that the Crown Prince had not spent the night with his new bride, some rejoiced, while others despaired—many, it seemed, would find no rest tonight.

She had no idea when she finally drifted off. Normally, Liu Yin was used to sleeping in, but this time, she was rudely awakened at the crack of dawn by Liu momo. The first light of morning was piercing, and she burrowed deeper into the blankets, unwilling to move—until Xiyun mercilessly yanked the covers away.

Still groggy, she sat up reluctantly, sleepily stretching out her arms to let the palace maids dress her. At the same time, she grumbled at Xiyun, “You little brat, you’re getting bolder by the day! Mother has spoiled you too much.”

Hearing this, Liu momo simply sighed with a helpless smile. “Today, Your Highness must go pay respects to the Empress and His Majesty. You mustn’t be late—lest people start gossiping.”

The other palace maids lowered their heads, stifling their laughter. They had heard that before marriage, the Crown Princess had been unconventional, and now they could see it for themselves. No wonder His Highness hadn’t stayed the night.

Noticing the odd expressions on the maids’ faces, Liu momo immediately shot them a glare, her voice sharp. “No discipline at all! Do you all wish to be sent to the Office of Judicial Discipline?”

“Please forgive us, momo! Your Highness, have mercy!” The frightened maids immediately fell to their knees, their faces pale.

Liu momo had once served by the Empress’s side—even the stewards of various palace departments had to show her respect. Naturally, these maids wouldn’t dare step out of line. Only when Liu Yin casually waved them away did they scramble to retreat.

Dressed in layers of cumbersome garments, she finally sat at the dressing table, letting Liu momo arrange her hair. Lazily, she murmured, “There’s no need to fuss over them. Just send them straight to the Office of Judicial Discipline later. If I don’t make an example of them, they’ll really think I’m some soft persimmon.”

If she could solve something with action, she saw no need for useless words.

Liu momo knew well that her mistress was not one to suffer losses. In this palace, that was a good thing—better to be feared than looked down upon. A direct daughter of the Liu family would not be reduced to someone else’s doormat.

Liu Yin sighed dramatically, her tone weighed down by despair. “Ugh, does this mean I have to wake up this early every single day just to greet my aunt? What a nightmare! If this were winter, I’d be dead already.”

Hearing this, Xiyun covered her mouth and let out a quiet giggle. Liu momo chuckled as well and reassured, “You’re overthinking it. Her Majesty would never let you exhaust yourself. Today is unavoidable, but in the future, there’s no need to go every day—just making an appearance now and then will suffice.”

At those words, Liu Yin immediately perked up. Having a strong backing really was convenient!

“Also,” Liu momo continued meaningfully, “now that you’ve married His Highness, you can no longer call Her Majesty ‘Aunt.’ You must address her as ‘Mother Empress.’”

Hearing this, Liu Yin’s face instinctively heated up. She didn’t argue, but the thought still felt… strange.

Since the Crown Prince was granted three days of rest after marriage, he wasn’t required to attend court today. When Liu Yin arrived at the dining hall, she found someone already seated at the table.

A full spread of exquisite dishes filled the table, and the surrounding servants stood quietly, heads lowered, waiting in respectful silence.

The man was dressed in an elegant white robe embroidered with silver pythons, his waist cinched with a gold-threaded cloud-patterned belt. He exuded an air of cool detachment and nobility.

Liu Yin stole a few glances at him and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—his looks were truly impeccable. If not for her steadfast will, she might have ended up following in the original Liu Yin’s footsteps.

Taking a seat at the long table, she felt a little awkward as memories of last night surfaced. Not wanting to overthink it, she quietly picked up a bowl, scooped herself some porridge, and then grabbed a steamed dumpling, taking a bite in silence.

Silence filled the grand hall as they ate. The contrast between the two was striking—the man ate with slow, deliberate elegance, while the woman ate swiftly and efficiently.

The palace maids kept their heads lowered, suppressing their amusement. The rumors were true—the Crown Princess was indeed… unrefined.

A proper noblewoman was expected to eat delicately, barely finishing half a bowl of rice, picking up only a few grains at a time. But that? Absolutely impossible for Liu Yin. If she couldn’t enjoy a meal properly, what was the point of eating at all?

As yet another pastry disappeared from the tray, Qin Yan’s gaze suddenly shifted to the woman across from him.

Her soft red lips parted, taking in half a piece of meat pastry, her cheeks puffed out slightly as she chewed. And yet, her eyes were already locked onto another tray of pastries, calculating her next move.

Sensing that someone was watching her, Liu Yin cautiously lifted her gaze—only to meet his deep, unreadable eyes.

She froze for a moment, then quickly took a sip of water, straightening her posture before explaining seriously, “I just eat a little more than most ladies, that’s all. But don’t worry—I don’t gain weight.”

To prove her point, she immediately rolled up her sleeve, revealing a slender, fair wrist.

Qin Yan’s gaze flickered slightly before he suddenly turned toward the attendants.

Behind him, Xiao Luzi immediately lowered his head, not daring to look.

“Don’t wander around the palace unnecessarily,” Qin Yan said, his tone neutral.

Liu Yin nodded quickly, replying earnestly, “If I go anywhere, it’ll only be to visit my aunt. I won’t roam around the Eastern Palace.”

At that moment, something seemed to cross Liu Yin’s mind. She scooted her chair over without hesitation, sliding closer to Qin Yan. With an eager expression, she picked up a piece of pastry and placed it on his plate, her delicate face filled with hesitation, as if she had something to say but wasn’t sure how to say it.

“Um… A few palace maids were disrespectful to me today. Can I send them to the Office of Judicial Discipline?” Her voice was soft, and her bright, clear eyes were fixed firmly on him.

Qin Yan glanced at the pastry she had offered him, then calmly took a bite. His tone was indifferent as he replied, “You don’t need to inform me about trivial matters like this.”

The entire hall stiffened at his words.

Everyone had assumed the Crown Princess was doomed to fall out of favor, yet His Highness was actually giving her full authority to act as she pleased.

Only Xiao Luzi lowered his gaze, his expression complicated.

Hearing Qin Yan’s response, Liu Yin’s smile brightened. She enthusiastically picked up more food for him, beaming as she declared, “I knew it! The Crown Prince is always the most fair and reasonable.”

Qin Yan said nothing, allowing her to chatter away while he continued eating.

Once breakfast was over, they had to visit Changchun Palace to pay respects to the Empress—early court was still in session, so they couldn’t wait for the emperor’s return.

Walking openly through the Eastern Palace felt strange. Before, she had always sneaked in secretly, but now she could come and go as she pleased. Liu Yin’s emotions were complicated—life truly was full of ups and downs.

The Crown Princess’s robes were elaborate and impractically loose, making it hard for Liu Yin to move freely.

As she walked through the bustling Imperial Garden, palace servants hurried past in every direction. After the fifth time adjusting her flowing sleeves, she finally made a decision—the moment she got back, she was heading straight to the Wardrobe Bureau to have new clothes made.

Her aunt’s choices were far too formal—not to mention, the colors were dreadful.

Watching the man ahead walk with his usual steady, unhurried steps, Liu Yin’s eyes darted around before she suddenly took two quick steps forward.

Then, ever so slowly, she reached out her hand and lightly grasped his long, slender fingers.

Qin Yan’s gaze flickered slightly, but he didn’t turn back. His sharp, chiseled features remained as cool and unreadable as ever.

Seeing that he didn’t react, Liu Yin grew bolder. She tightened her grip and followed dutifully behind him, putting on a serious expression as if she were marching into battle.

After all, even if this was just a marriage in name, she still had to put on a convincing show of affection—otherwise, her parents would surely worry about her.

Behind them, Xiao Luzi and Xiyun exchanged uncertain glances, both lost in their own thoughts as they hurriedly lowered their heads.

The other palace attendants, however, were completely shaken.

Wasn’t the Crown Prince supposed to loathe the Crown Princess?

By the time they reached Changchun Palace, Hong Xing was already waiting outside.

The moment she saw her young mistress and the Crown Prince arriving hand in hand, her face lit up with joy, and she quickly turned to announce their arrival.

Liu Yin quickly let go of his hand and followed him inside.

The Empress was seated on a soft chaise, calmly brewing tea. The moment she saw them enter, a warm smile flickered across her face.

“Greetings, Mother.” Qin Yan gave a slight bow, his tone as composed as ever.

Liu Yin, however, hesitated, feeling an odd tightness in her chest.

Only when every pair of eyes in the room turned toward her did she finally step forward, her face flushed as she curtsied.

“Your daughter-in-law… greets Mother.”

Her voice was barely above a whisper, and for once, she looked genuinely shy—a rare sight indeed.

The Empress’s smile deepened. “Stand up. Seeing you so proper all of a sudden… I almost didn’t recognize you.”

At that moment, Hong Xing stepped forward with a steaming cup of tea.

Liu Yin, her face still burning, took the cup with both hands and respectfully presented it.

“Mother, please have some tea.”

Her fair face was completely tinged with pink, her clear, bright eyes flickering with nervousness.

Qin Yan cast her a fleeting glance—then looked away, expression unreadable.

“Good child.”

The Empress accepted the tea and took a small sip. Then, with a subtle gesture, she signaled to one of the palace maids.

A moment later, a lacquered box was placed before Liu Yin.

She froze, unsure if she should take it.

“This was a gift from His Majesty when I was crowned Empress,” the Empress said with a gentle smile. “Now, I’m passing it on to you.”

She opened the box, revealing an exquisite jade bracelet, a translucent green that gleamed under the candlelight.

Liu Yin sensed there was a deeper meaning behind those words.

Instinctively, she glanced at the man beside her—but as always, his face betrayed nothing.

“This is far too precious—I really can’t accept it,” Liu Yin hurriedly lowered her head.

The Empress studied her niece, now looking like an entirely different person from before. Her gaze held a hint of something unreadable.

In the end, she simply took Liu Yin’s hand and personally slipped the jade bracelet onto her wrist. Against her fair, delicate skin, the translucent green gleamed even brighter.

“If not you, then who else should have it?”

Then, shifting her attention to Qin Yan, she added, “I ask for nothing else—only that you two treat each other with respect and live in harmony.”

Liu Yin had half a mind to shrink into herself like a turtle, but realizing she should at least say something, she puffed up her chest and solemnly declared,

“Mother, rest assured! Yin’er will be a virtuous, responsible Crown Princess!”

Her dead-serious expression was so unexpected that the Empress couldn’t help but chuckle. Turning to Qin Yan, she said, “Your father is likely still in court. There’s no rush to greet him—go on back for now. I need to teach this girl a few palace rules.”

Qin Yan gave a slight nod. “Yes, Mother. I take my leave.”

Before departing, he cast one last glance at the woman beside him, then turned and strode away.

The moment he was out of earshot, the Empress’s smile vanished.

She grabbed Liu Yin’s wrist, frowned deeply, and got straight to the point—

“Now, tell me—why didn’t the Crown Prince spend the night in your chambers?”

=^_^=